Film Illuminates "It's not who you are when you're born, but who you are when you live"

The Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will feature a documentary this October with Buffalo roots. The featured film Kelly’s Hollywood will be held on Friday, October 17, with two showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dipson Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main Street, Buffalo.

The movie is Brian Donovan’s tribute to his sister, Kelly, who was born with Down syndrome. A 1985 graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Brian moved to Hollywood and became a writer, actor, director and producer. The inspirational film is about a brother’s quest to help his sister fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva.

When asked why he created this documentary, Brain explained, “When I picked up the camera 15 years ago, I didn’t have much of an agenda. I was capturing moments in Kelly’s life that inspired me, but when those moments started to affect me more directly, I got more serious.”

The purpose of the Film Series event is to provide entertainment, educate, challenge stereotypes and explore issues faced by individuals with disabilities. The event goal mirrors Brian's reasoning for the film.

Brian shared, “By documenting my sister, I hope the film illuminates that it’s not who you are when you’re born, but who you are when you live that’s important.”

In between the movie showings, a reception with keynote speaker Brian Donovan will be held at 5 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo (half mile from theatre).

Movie tickets are available in advance online and at the Museum of disABILITY History and also available during the event at the Amherst Dipson Theatre. Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 on the day of the event. The reception is free to all film screening patrons. For more information or tickets, go to disabilityfilmfest.org or call 716-629-3626. The 80-minute documentary is rated PG-13.

Event proceeds benefit the Museum of disABILITY History, Bornhava and Cantalician Center. Sponsors include: Andruschat Law Firm, Buffalo Healthy Living, The Buffalo News and the New York State Council on the Arts.

Brian Donovan has been a professional actor for more than 24 years in film, television and radio. He has worked on-screen with such top actors and actresses such as Jim Belushi, Jim Carrey and Angelina Jolie. He has been the voice of countless animated heroes; currently as Rock Lee from the juggernaut hit, Naruto. Early next year, he can be seen in the indie film, Secrets of an Unborn Child.
In addition, he has been the executive director of the Los Angeles Repertory Theatre since 1994, producing and directing more than 50 inner-city high school workshops and live shows. He is also the creator, writer and producer of the Mighty Me Training Camp, a top ranking children’s self-empowerment program streamed by Discovery Education for more than five years. A past resident of Kenmore, NY, Donovan now lives in Los Angeles, CA with his family.